Abolishing tax exemptions to Fata, Pata of Malakand: Political parties ask centre to withdraw decision

PESHAWAR: The participants of an all parties conference of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized under the auspices Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has asked the federal government to withdraw the decision of abolishing tax exemptions to the erstwhile Federal Administered Tribal Area (Fata) and Provincial Administered Tribal Area (Pata) of Malakand Division.

The conference was participated by almost all political parties including the ruling Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) in the province. Provincial President PPP, Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha chaired the conference while Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi was special guest on the occasion.

Provincial leaders and representatives of various political parties, business community, civil society, lawyers, social personalities and people from different walks of life participated in the conference. The participants unanimously agreed that the implementation of the tax in the former FATA and PATA is not consistent with the ground realities and the economic situation of the people, so this decision should be immediately reviewed and withdrawn.

In his presidential address, Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha said that the people of former FATA and PATA have borne the burden of terrorism, displacement and economic hardship in the past several decades, so imposing more financial responsibilities on them is against the requirements of justice. He said that this issue is not a matter of any political party, but the employment, trade and economic future of millions of citizens, on which all political forces must show solidarity. He clarified that the Pakistan People’s Party will continue to raise its voice on this public issue in every constitutional, democratic and parliamentary forum and will not leave the affected people alone.

The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi assured the participants that the unanimous position and recommendations of the conference will be conveyed to the federal government in an effective manner and that every possible role will be taken to review the tax enforcement decision and return it.

At the end of the conference, representatives of all political parties, business organizations and civil society agreed to adopt a common strategy. It was decided that in the next few days, a joint delegation will meet with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after which meetings will also be held with the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan so that a comprehensive action plan can be drawn up in the light of the unanimous position of all stakeholders and the rights of the people of former FATA and PATA can be effectively defended at all levels.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026